The incumbent will perform recruitment of patients and healthy human subjects for research studies that aim to gain insights into neuroinflammatory diseases and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

The main tasks include assisting the upkeep of institutional review board (IRB) documents for the studies, creating and posting study recruitment material, consenting and enrolling research subjects, instructing subjects to complete questionnaires and other research protocols, obtaining basic measurements such as blood pressure and weight, coordinating with researchers and scheduling subjects for biological sample acquisition and tests, handling human biological specimens such as blood and stool, entering research data and performing basic database maintenance.

To perform these tasks well, meticulous record keeping of all enrollment and study data and good interpersonal and communication skills are prerequisites for this position. Following training from the principal investigator and/or project manager, the research assistant is expected to perform these tasks with minor supervision.

Education Required

Baccalaureate

Minimum Related Experience Level Required

Less than 1 year experience

Additional Education and/or Experience Essential to the Position

Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biological or physical science is required. May consider a bachelor degree in a non-science major if the candidate has had substantial course works in biological science, prior human research experience and possesses strong potential. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in clinical research and interaction with human subjects and working knowledge of research methodology as well as familiarity with data entry and management techniques.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Child Protection Clearances

The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks may be required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.

Background Check

For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check.

Assignment Category

Regular, Full-Time

Percent Effort

100

Scheduled Work Hours

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

If Varied Work Schedule, Please Specify

If Part Time, Actual Standard Weekly Hours

Campus

Pittsburgh

University Benefits

The University offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for all full-time and part-time regular employees including:
• Education benefits and a retirement plan with employer match
• Group medical insurance, life insurance, and optional vision and dental insurance
• Free transit service within Allegheny County for employees of the Oakland campus (Port Authority Transit)
• Time off benefits including vacation, sick and personal time